Apple crowned world’s most valuable brand in global ranking

Apple has reclaimed the top spot from tech firm rival Google in this year’s annual ranking of the world’s most valuable brands by WPP’s Millward Brown.

The so-called BrandZ rankings watched Apple’s value jump by 67% to $247bn – fueled by iPhone 6 sales – eclipsing Google’s 9% increase to $174bn.

The rankings, which reflect financial performance as well as consumer perception, put Vodafone as the UK’s most valuable brand at number 23.

Following Vodafone in the UK was HSBC, Shell, BT and BP.

Elsewhere, struggling food franchise McDonald’s slipped from fifth place to ninth – with its value dropping 5% to $81bn, while Facebook creeps ever-closer to the top ten, with its value swelling by 99% to $71bn putting it in 12^th place.

Doreen Wang, Millward Brown’s Global Head of BrandZ, said: “Apple continues to own its category by innovating and leading the curve in a way that generates real benefits for consumers.

“Apple is clear on what it stands for, and never stops refreshing its message to sustain the difference that makes it so desirable.”